Covid-19 impacting sharing economy


Malaysia’s courtship with AirBnB and similar platforms had its beginnings with the property binge, which started a decade ago when investors entered the market due to easy credit. Unable to rent, or sell at a price they want, many joined the sharing economy in order to help cover their monthly instalments instead of keeping the units empty.(Small toy figures are seen in front of diplayed Airbnb logo in this illustration taken March 19,2020. REUTERS)

PETALING JAYA: The novel coronavirus, or Covid-19, is not only making a mess of companies in the hotel and aviation sectors but is also upending members of the sharing economy.

Be it work or leisure, the virus is raising doubts about the sustainability of sharing spaces among strangers. Industry players have different views.

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